Joseph Stalin

Soviet dictator

Modern influential 46 sayings

Sayings by Joseph Stalin

No one can be a true revolutionary without being a deeply convinced atheist.

1920s-1930s — Attributed in various anti-religious propaganda materials during his rule. Direct primary source is …
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to get rid of a problem is to get rid of the people who have it.

Unknown — Attributed, but similar to other controversial remarks; direct source is debated.
Controversial Unverifiable

There are no fortresses that Bolsheviks cannot storm.

1931 — Speech 'On the Tasks of the Economic Executives'
Controversial Unverifiable

We don’t need to be afraid of a little blood. It’s a good sign when the masses are ready to shed their blood for the revolution.

Unknown — Attributed, but direct source difficult to verify. Reflects his known ruthlessness.
Controversial Unverifiable

History shows that there are no invincible armies.

1941 — Speech on the 24th anniversary of the October Revolution
Controversial Unverifiable

The main thing is to keep the party united, even if it means sacrificing a few individuals.

1930s — Attributed, reflects his actions during purges.
Controversial Unverifiable

In the Soviet Army, it takes more courage to retreat than to advance.

1942 — Commonly attributed to Stalin, particularly in relation to Order No. 227 ('Not a Step Back!').
Controversial Unverifiable

The people must not only be told, but must also be shown.

1935 (approx) — Reported in 'Stalin: A New World Seen Through One Man' by Henri Barbusse
Controversial Unverifiable

The press is our chief weapon in the struggle for the minds of the people.

1928 — Speech 'The Party's Press and the Tasks of Our Press Workers'
Controversial Unverifiable

We are building a society where there will be no room for parasites.

1931 — Speech 'On the Tasks of the Economic Executives'
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest joy for an artist is to serve the people.

1934 — Speech at the First All-Union Congress of Soviet Writers
Controversial Unverifiable

Every person must have his own opinion, but he must also be prepared to change it when the Party demands it.

1930s — Attributed, reflecting the demand for ideological conformity.
Controversial Unverifiable

The only real power comes from the barrel of a gun.

Unknown — Often attributed to Mao Zedong, but sometimes misattributed to Stalin, reflecting a similar philosop…
Controversial Unverifiable

The trust of the Party is more important than any personal feelings.

1930s — Attributed, reflecting the emphasis on Party loyalty over individual sentiment.
Controversial Unverifiable

We need to keep our enemies guessing. Let them wonder what we are planning.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his secretive and deceptive political tactics.
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to fight opportunism is to smash it.

1927 — Speech 'On the Opposition'
Controversial Unverifiable

The Party is the mind, honor, and conscience of our epoch.

1934 — Speech to the 17th Congress of the CPSU (B)
Controversial Unverifiable

The struggle against deviations is a struggle against the enemies of the Party.

1927 — Speech 'On the Opposition'
Controversial Unverifiable

In the land of the Soviets, every citizen has the right to work, rest, and education. But these rights are meaningless if the enemies of the people are allowed to undermine them.

1936 — Speech 'On the Draft Constitution of the USSR'
Controversial Unverifiable

The cadres decide everything.

1935 — Speech to the graduates from the Red Army Academies
Controversial Unverifiable